BOISE, Idaho The Bearskin Fire area closure on the Boise and Salmon Challis National Forest has been reduced significantly due to a decrease in fire activity. The change in the closure opens more than 80,000 acres to fall hunters and recreationists. The modified closure goes into effect Friday, Sept. 15 at noon. For specific information visit:

Cloudy skies prevailed over the fire area yesterday, providing cooler temperatures for crews working on improving and securing existing lines and weakening the fire after Wednesday’s rain.

On the east side of the fire, engines were swapped out to patrol and monitor duty. To the south, crews continued brushing, chipping and prep work along National Forest System (NFS) road 555 and heavy equipment continued to remove snags near Deadwood Reservoir.

Today’s plan is to continue removing snags on the east side of the road near Deadwood Reservoir to prevent trees from blocking the road should fire move into that area. Crews will clean up and chip any remaining branches or fuel. Some prep work still remains along NFS road 579. Weather has prevented firing operations but point protection will continue around Deadwood Lodge.

Weather forecast for the fire area Friday is mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain and snow showers. Mixed rain and snow as low as 7500 feet with a 30 percent possibility of rain with northwest winds around 7 mph.

Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect through the weekend on most public and private lands under fire protection of the Boise National Forest, Boise BLM and State of Idaho. Campfires are only permitted in developed recreation sites with an agency approved metal fire ring. Smoking is allowed in a cleared area of at least 3 feet in diameter, in a vehicle or in a developed recreation site.